Zobrist aims for quick return from knee surgery

Updated 11:56 pm, Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Photo: Orlin Wagner, Associated Press

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A’s second baseman Ben Zobrist, has only started once since leaving this April 19 game with an injury. He is recovering after having arthroscopic surgery Tuesday to trim damaged cartilage from his left knee.

A’s second baseman Ben Zobrist, has only started once since leaving this April 19 game with an injury. He is recovering after having arthroscopic surgery Tuesday to trim damaged cartilage from his left knee.

Photo: Orlin Wagner, Associated Press

Zobrist aims for quick return from knee surgery

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Ben Zobrist walked in the clubhouse without much of a limp and without much swelling, and he had just spent 20 minutes riding a stationary bike.

He was one day removed from arthroscopic surgery to trim medial meniscus from his left knee.

Before surgery, Zobrist spoke of a four- to six-week timetable. On Wednesday, he said he wants to be back closer to four than six and didn’t rule out a late-May return.

“It depends on how it goes when I start ramping up the activity,” said Zobrist, who’ll have stitches removed in a week. “Right now, it’s a good sign it’s not swollen much. It just means I can get started on the activity today instead of waiting a few days.”

A’s head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta said the focus in the next week is keeping the swelling down and increasing range of motion and strength.

Ladendorf surgery: Infielder Tyler Ladendorf (Grade 3 high left-ankle sprain) underwent surgery Tuesday and will miss a few months. He had a small plate inserted with two tightropes for fixation. Ladendorf, who made the A’s season-opening roster, was injured rounding first base with Triple-A Nashville.

A.J. Griffin, who’s three weeks behind Parker’s pace, impressed team officials in a 38-pitch bullpen session at the Coliseum. He’ll pitch in a simulated game in Arizona on Saturday, and a rehab assignment is in the near future.

Briefly:Brett Lawrie has taken grounders at second base, where he could play when shortstop Marcus Semien is rested and second baseman Eric Sogard is moved to short. ... Nate Freiman (back) is playing games in extended spring training and will begin a rehab assignment next week.